Thanks David . Went to Mass today and felt a ton of weight lifted off of me . God is so good . Bless you David ! Live 15 more years at least ! We need your wisdom
Thank you Mr.Hoffman. As a 17 year old, i have a hard time working and playing at the same time. Hopefully I will reach a healthy balance one day. Thanks for the video giving me something to think about!
FatPat #Goat: Oh honey, you're so lucky to be so young and able to make life altering decisions NOW instead of looking back over your life and wishing you'd done it differently. A word of advice. Make your favorite hobby your work if at all possible. If you love what you do, you will never get bored and even if you never get paid for it you'll still love doing it. But, if you can't make a living by pursuing your hobby, then do that on the side and work at whatever job you find yourself in as a means to pursuing your ultimate dreams. Always give your employer your all, never slack on the job and you'll find yourself being promoted into positions of importance. NEVER abuse your authority though. Be fair and honorable at all times (even if others aren't). Follow your bliss and live life so that you will never have any regrets. Be of some kind of service to your fellow man and you will never go wrong! Enjoy your journey. 💖 (p.s. making lots of money is NOT a healthy goal .. when you're too rich, people will crawl out from under the woodwork and claim you as a long lost cousin and want all your wealth for themselves) 😁
Thanks Mr. Hoffman. Mom died when I was 12 dad at 17. I've been winging it for the past 40 years. It's nice to have someone like yourself available via RUclips to receive words of wisdom.
My mother was so wise- when I was having considerable trouble navigating life, she told me similar pieces of wisdom. 1. FOCUS 2. Mind my own business 3. Shrug it off (and I later added) 4. Smile. This has gotten me through many a hard time. Later in life when my to do list was getting too long ( or so I perceived) she said to me very directly: " All you have to do to get things done is just DO THEM!" How true, as it can be too easy to be distracted and overwhelmed. My fathers' gift to me was the love of learning a skill, perseverence, and resourcefulness. How I miss them both💕💕
I am so glad I have discovered the gold in your eyes, the love in your heart, the wisdom in your words and the greatness of your work. Thank you David.
Wow Wayne. Are you a writer? So beautifully said. I would like to have been the one to say that to someone else and may someday take your words and use them. Thank you so much. David Hoffman-filmmaker
I can honestly say that at 71, I've finally reached a point in life where I no longer feel the need to follow the rules set for me by society. I keep my own counsel, sleep when I want to, do what feels good at the time and enjoy what little time I may still have on this earth. That said, I lived my life by following my bliss (Joseph Campbell) which helped soften the sad and disappointing times that inevitably arose from time to time. Like you, I enjoy being alone for longer periods of time nowadays and make the most of every moment still available to me. I appreciate your videos very much. Thank you. 💖
Outstanding advice from an old sage! I say that with the utmost respect. I’m 56 years old, my life changed about six years ago, due to injury and numerous back surgeries. Early “retirement” I wasn’t ready for, especially with chronic pain, it’s taken a long time to get grounded again and try to start a new chapter in my life, never did I imagine how difficult change could be! Thank you for these simple yet very helpful suggestions, I will use them!
Great tips! I use some of them, but will definitely employ the others. It is a wonderful thing when you sit with a pen and paper, you're right, things come out of your mind that you never knew was there! When i write, the words are pouring out of my head faster than my pen can write. Like a fountain. Since starting my vintage Barbie store on eBay, I work so many hours, but I don't realize it because I'm having fun. I enjoy working. My advice to my children was to choose a career they enjoyed, as I did nursing. I encouraged them to express themselves with music, poetry, literature, anything that brought out creativity. They do the same for theirs. Thank you, Mr Hoffman, God bless you.
I was raised to believe work was toil, I spent most my young adolescence trying to avoid it. After realizing it's our contribution to the world and future generations (and realizing I was going to work till I die), I started to find the pleasure in the mundane menial tasks of life
Thank you for this David. You remind me growing up in the 1960s my next door neighbor was James A. Westerfield was an American character actor of stage, film, and television. If James wasn't on the set he was often painting in his garage, I would chat with him for a few minute son my way home from school. My classmate at Bassett Street Elementary School in Van Nuys was Eve Plumb from The Brady Bunch haha!
Thank you. I admire your work very much. I'm a venezuelan currently getting my Master's degree and struggling to pay the bills in a foreign country. Last friday I had a nervous breakdown and I've been trying to overcome this personal crisis so I can finnish my dissertation before july 22nd. Your life advice has great timing in my life. Thank you again
wow! Thank you David! You’re so humble, boyish, and kind. Gonna get that pen and get to it. The schedule is THAT one thing that may save me and get me out of the poor me’s.
Thank you, I have gone all or nothing for a creative career, failed and now find myself back in a stressful 8-5. But this makes it feel more manageable and I really like the reminder that everything can be a mix of work and play, including relationships. And thanks for being so honest about still needing feedback, breaks and still feeling nervous!
Thank you Faith. You will notice that when I do these kinds of videos, they don't get very many views. So I kind of stopped. But I'm glad that this one was provocative (I mean provoked good things) for you. David Hoffman - filmmaker
"Keep on going. It's going to be okay." These are powerful words that spoke to me - thank you. I look forward to more of your wonderful work in the future . :)
1.) Eat right 2.) Exercise 3.) Engage in a variety of mental activities/exercise 4.) Have positive social relationships 5.) Don't do hard drugs Those are at least what help me. David here is actually talking a lot about the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy, something that I think should be taught in highschool! Overall, good advice! There is no cure-all for this type of stuff, but still good advice.
Thank you sir.I am in a crisis and just left myself to the flow, I couldn't concentrate,I deviate from working on tasks that should have been completed long ago leaving it to tomorrow and frankly was thinking about doing something drastic when people ask me the results.I always prepare a schedule but never follow it, procrastinating stuff and i made it habit, yes found your channel doing it.I hope to find the timelessness you talk about.
Mr. Hoffman, Thank you. I’m having creative ideas constantly and currently remodeling my bathroom and already have been through 6 sets of plans. I make a list constantly & daily, which help me achieve my tasks for my day and night. Thank you again.
Thank you for this! I just started a new job at a supermarket until I go to university in September. Just like you, I like to do things on my own, except when it is physically impossible to do so. I'm very methodical and like to do things in an orderly manner - working at a supermarket goes completely against that work philosophy. You're working on something, then comes someone who completely sidetracks you, then along the way you find something else to do and you never really finish what you started. I'm not used to deal with this many people every day either, and not everyone is nice and understanding. Having 1 week of experience doesn't help me be at ease and confident, as I don't know the answer for a lot of things and people usually get mad at me. It's stressful, both physically and mentally. It's been tough waking up in the morning to go somewhere I don't really belong. But I'm focused on my end-goal which is to go to university, get my degree and hopefully get the career I desire. The financial freedom is nice, too. Keep up the great work! Cheers.
Hah! I think with a pen too. I feel exactly the way you do about it. Sometimes what comes out feels inspired by the Divine. Perhaps the pen is mightier than the sword in more than one way. All of it is great advice, David. Thank you once again. 💜 this channel.
Great advice as usual from Mr Hoffman. Simple elocution but effective. Not to date Mt Hoffman, but I always find that older than myself folks are a wealth of information. Thank you.
My goodness what a wealth of information. You had me full of hope & in tears by the end. Thank you so very much. I’m going to try to find my spot. God Bless
MariaMaria “self help” means you are helping whoever you’re listening to spread their ideas. Usually it’s the masochistic cult leader type that pushes self help advice. This isn’t self help advice in my opinion, this is just good, honest wisdom from a kind man. I think that’s why you like this, you see that it’s authentic! You have to pick who you listen to very carefully, especially yourself, because you are the easiest person to fool!
@@croutonboo2566 did you mean religion? That sounds a lot like religion, self-help to me is teaching someone a strategy for dealing with a problem they have that you've overcame.
elfoxy teaching someone a strategy for dealing with a problem they’ve overcome *is* , in some sorts religion. You should look up “John frum tanna”, and read about cargo cults to get a quick understanding for how religions tend to form as part of a human societal structure. Those self help gurus throwing seminars and creating a cult of personality are of the same type of character as religious figures/cult leaders etc. they all have similar bases in human psychology
its 30th Jan here in England, freezing cold north wind, grey overcast, cant work , cameras lying idle, but just had a warming thought ?? WISHED I LIVED NEXT DOOR TO DAVID HOFFMAN..
Thank you for being understanding about John Ward using your interview with Steve Allen. My parents are from the Great Depression. Seeing Steve Allen is like looking at my father who died in October of 1969. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Yes! Living our Passion is not knowing the difference between work and play. It is one and the same. I see that in my dad. At 83 he’s fit as a fiddle and very happy. He’s a retired conductor(maestro), composer, professor, classical/jazz musician, lutier, etc, etc. Successful but he hasn’t worked a day in his life. Now He rehairs bows for violins, the whole string family. I really appreciate this advice..thank you for being a wonderful and gracious guide for all of us..you are one of a kind, David Hoffman.
Gaby: They say that conductors live a long time because of the way they move their hands and arms. Very healthy. I was an oboe player when I started working but decided that symphonic music was not for me. That's a wonderful story I need to tell you sometime during a livestream. David Hoffman
Thank YOU, David Hoffman, for such brilliant advice and especially for your tone and approach. We are all learners in life, just at different levels. Lots of love to you Sir.
Great video. Very helpful, especially to those of us who are working individually without an agenda and time schedule set by others. Number one on your list - do one thing at a time- reminds me of the advise given to people who are dealing with ADHD- “ chose one and get it done.” It’s not about staying in one place for the duration, but about not starting two or three more projects in the middle of the first, about just keeping notes in new ideas and not abandoning the first project as soon as the newness wears off. Again, thanks!
Don't stop what you are doing, Mr. Hoffmann. I love hearing what you have to say. I am a extroverted introverts. God inspires your work. I sit with a notepad too. I rarely change my scripts for my videos. They seem simple and plain, but I know that when I add the music and video, magic will happen. I am always amazed at the end result. I do get a bit nervous, but I push through. I forget to eat too!!!! I love being creative!!! God, the creator, understands us artists and the creative process. I make my videos in my spare time. I have made over 80 videos!! I am self taught and want to grow and learn. God bless you.
Thanks so much for the pep talk. It's harder to start new things as we get older. Doubts from past creep in. Old comments from people either relevant or irrelevant in your life. It's nice when we can share confidence with others. Keep going.
I'm so glad I found your channel! Documentary film work is not easy, but you make me feel like I can get through it. The world just got a little less lonely for me, thanks! Keep posting and safe travels!
I've watched WAY TOO MANY "How To Live" videos on this 21st century boob-tube. This one stands apart. It pierces through. It makes an impression. It leaves me feeling *better*. It contains more or less than same information as many of the others, but it's the delivery, the historical context, knowing how much you've done with your life, that makes all the difference, I guess. Who really knows? In any case, thank you again, David, for getting through to me and, glancing at the comment section, many others. You're a great role model and I appreciate all that you do.
thank you for sharing that, Michael. I know what you are talking about and my way of explaining it to myself is in terms of being open to serendipity. If I'm opened possibilities, all of a sudden, almost as though the universe intended it, information, people, opportunities, come my way. Maybe that happened to you watching me. In any case, I'm glad it has benefit for you. David Hoffman-filmmaker
Hey David thank you for the advice, gratefully received, I enjoy your videos tremendously. When you are working away in the editing room engrossed in your work I think you have entered into a state known as “Flow” for a creative person that is the most beautiful and productive state to be in.
The feeling that you describe in the last segment of the video David, where one is so focused, enjoying the task he is doing that he loses all sense of time , I have experienced. I believe, from your description that one gets to this place through the creative process. Great stuff. Enjoy your videos.
I was raised by parents your age. I’m now 46 & listening to your acknowledgement was so refreshing! Newbie here & Im a ball of nerves most of the time.
1 (if writing) Make the pen a kite Make your thoughts the wind Your hand will become a lightsome child chasing a kite in an April field The paths that are left behind in ink will be joyous. 2. Write always with a side purpose of inspiring others to outdo you. (if you write naturally enough, readers will say to themselves "that seems fun! I can do that!" ) -see O. Henry. -Don Marquis -Bill Nye (from Maine) ( *not* "the science guy" )
Thank you for the great advice. It's so critical that we give ourselves permission to not get boxed in and to work with the creative process (whatever that might be for each individual), rather than against it. Balance between idea (the thought) and discipline (the action) is important in order to make it happen. Love your comments about a sense of timelessness when you are working.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences. I’ve found the best way forward is follow others who’ve shown a feasible, flexible route, so this is very appreciated.
This is wonderful advice. Honestly, I've heard it before but it's always nice to hear again and there are those that still need to hear it. Especially in such a uncondescending way. 👍
Your videos serve as some great insight for a young guy like me. Hearing from perspectives that I otherwise wouldn’t come across is what makes your channel so special to me.
Thanks Mr. Hoffman. Good advice for me! I often tend to distract myself, meander, and go off tangentially when writing music/songs. Extra points for using the word “verve”! I know that space you talked about in between work and play and I also know that solitary, aloneness that I both love and resent depending on how my creating is going. Thanks for giving me hope and optimism that it’s ok to feel these polarities . Great video! I’m subscribing to your channel...now!
Thank you for this - your words are both encouraging and inspiring. I specifically appreciate the advice on dealing with anxiety. I’d also like to thank you for being kind to John Ward - another world champion who I follow.
I'm 21 and I can be such a procrastinator. I wanna be a writer and the only way to get there is by reading and writing more. Those are two things I love in life and it can be easy to do them most of the time. But I find it difficult to just do it sometimes. This was helpful, thank you.
thank you for the great advice in this video and for all the other fantastic videos (especially BB King at sing sing and Spike the horseman) on your channel. it’s like looking at powerful nuggets of life which really show viewers the beauty of being alive. have a beautiful day :)
Hi Mr. David, I saw this video two years ago and I always come back to it. I made a list on my phone now called "got anything better to do?" So now I have lots to do when I read it :) You're such an amazing person you remind me of my grandpap he passed when I was really young
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker Hi Mr. Dave sorry I've been busy the past few days with my homework. Where can I send you a picture? Also thank you again for uploading all of your videos I like to watch them when I'm feeling down I wish I had a time machine!
The thing I love most about the video is it's childlike innocence. Watching RUclips for so long, I feel like there's a certain way these videos are made. This video just didn't care about those norms. In some way, it made it feel so much more genuine and I have no doubt that it is. It seems that in order to explain to myself why I loved this video so much, I have gone off on a tangent. In any case, all I wanted to say is that I loved the video. Please do make more like these.
Thank you! You are very inspirational to many people. I wish more people (including myself) had such a positive attitude, work ethic and just be a good person like you. You made some very good points, I agree with all of them and this just gave me an additional incentive to implement them and to be more productive.
I just started studying screenwriting and I'm six months in. I think a lot about my process, my voice and what works for me. This was refreshing and helpful to listen to. I love your videos David, keep up the great work.
Without the discipline of sticking to my schedule every day, I would definitely sink into a funk. I might work from home, but I make sure I shower and put on presentable clothes each day. Key to getting isht done.
Thanks for this video, I’ve always wanted to be an amateur movie maker but I’ve never had the courage to make anything worthwhile. I have about 3 months off of collage and a very decent camera so this has gave me some inspiration to create something good
free flow writing just feels sooooo good! An that' where the magic happens becaue I get out of my own way. Although I have fountain pens, I need & love a pencil - the smell, the ease, sharpening it. I hear my grandfather in my head 'Sharp pencil, sharp mind.'
I came originally for the video about buying a computer in the early 90's and I stayed for the sage advice! Subscribing and then going to go through your videos, there seems to be a lot of good content here! Thanks, David!
This is great stuff. David, I so appreciate listening to you and people like you. You’re a kind person with a heart for continually creating and exploring. If every person would strive for those kinds of things we’d see a much better world. In a couple short years I’ll be starting my journey through my 50s. I love my life. And wonderful people like yourself are adding inspiration and validation to my belief that each day our lives are getting more significant, more joyful, more creative and more satisfying. Thanks for simply being you and sharing your heart. You’re making a difference in my life and it’s obvious I’m not the only one.
Thanks for taking the time to share this. It’s important, especially for those gathering the courage to pursue a life of creativity. If you didn’t see the 60 Minutes piece on Rick Rubin on 5/28, you should. It’s about stripping away to what is essential.
Literally. Our minds are smacking each other right now at the end. I wrote that whole quote down because I didn’t know that’s what I was living by but I see people looking at me like they’re wondering if I’m paying attention or in my own mind.
Thank you. I was stuck for a few days in some situations and was feeling like where to go . This morning i got to know about your channel accidentally and I am so relaxed. My mind has started running normal. I really know the worth of your words . Thanks
Thank you for reminding me of making a To Do list. My late husband gave me yellow legal notepads and told me to write down the ten most important things I needed to do the next day. He also said that I probably wouldn't be able to do all ten, but whatever was still not done was either not necessary or it needs to go on to the next day's list. Writing the list helped me stay focused and still let me do creative things with my children apart from housework. Thanks for reminding us to smile. My best friend in high school used to tell me to smile because it makes the enemy angry. What enemy? In school there are always "mean" girls who like to see others be miserable. Since then I have found we can be our own worst enemy, so smile even if you don't feel like it. Smiling tricks the brain into thinking positive of things and positive solutions. If nothing else it annoys the devil! 😁
The best book I have ever read is the Four agreements, By Don Miguel Ruiz, it's a powerful book and helped me greatly. Please give it a read it may help with a lot of things people tend to struggle with and don't know why. But it's one thing to read something and another thing to try and implement it into your life.
That final point from Mitchener David is something that we all experience but do not realise. I have taken two cruises, both with a country music theme. The one overall feeling I have had when I reflect on these two trips, is the absence of time. I have realised that for the time I was awake and it was usually from 11am to 3am everyday, I was occupied. I was always watching some performance, or in a songwriting class, or taking one of the dace classes or doing my daily singing (I can not go a day without singing at least an hour). I was not occupied with what time it was and in fact the rest of the world did not exist. The only world for the time we were at sea was that vessel. It was made so clear on my first cruise, when I was catching a train from Sydney to my home town of Goulburn, and we asked the person selling our ticket when the next train was and he said I will just see if the track is clear, and me and my uncle looked at each other and asked him what he meant. Unbeknownst to us the rail line had been cut off during that week by bushfires and the line had been damaged, we had not known anything about the bushfires. But we all go through this. When you go to a cinema to watch a film you go to watch the film but you are also there to forget your life's problems, paying the bills, any problems at work or with family. This sense of release, the sense of no responsibility or not having to do anything while you concentrate on the film is what you need to feel when you are concentrating on doing one thing. I know when I write my stories when I get into a particularly interesting and engaging section of the story, I lose all concept of time. It is a very satisfying feeling.
Beautifully said. Thank you so much. When I am doing my RUclips work each day, the hours go by and I don't really notice. I'm focused. David Hoffman filmmaker
As a Boomer born 1952 I was born privileged: healthy, family, food, and shelter. Everything else was a plus. No money but I was rich. When I was 19 the end of the rainbow was far away at the end. It seemed life was forever. Not so. Along the way I did too much for too many for too long for too little but it all worked out. The purpose in life is to lead a purposeful life. Still rich after all these years. Don’t sweat the small stuff because it’s all small stuff.
Thanks David . Went to Mass today and felt a ton of weight lifted off of me . God is so good . Bless you David ! Live 15 more years at least ! We need your wisdom
Thank you Mr.Hoffman. As a 17 year old, i have a hard time working and playing at the same time. Hopefully I will reach a healthy balance one day. Thanks for the video giving me something to think about!
FatPat #Goat: Oh honey, you're so lucky to be so young and able to make life altering decisions NOW instead of looking back over your life and wishing you'd done it differently. A word of advice. Make your favorite hobby your work if at all possible. If you love what you do, you will never get bored and even if you never get paid for it you'll still love doing it. But, if you can't make a living by pursuing your hobby, then do that on the side and work at whatever job you find yourself in as a means to pursuing your ultimate dreams. Always give your employer your all, never slack on the job and you'll find yourself being promoted into positions of importance. NEVER abuse your authority though. Be fair and honorable at all times (even if others aren't). Follow your bliss and live life so that you will never have any regrets. Be of some kind of service to your fellow man and you will never go wrong! Enjoy your journey. 💖 (p.s. making lots of money is NOT a healthy goal .. when you're too rich, people will crawl out from under the woodwork and claim you as a long lost cousin and want all your wealth for themselves) 😁
FatPat#Goat just do what U love.
Hi FatPat, if you find this material resonating with you at the age of 17, then I can tell you now; you're going to be all right kid.
Thanks Mr. Hoffman.
Mom died when I was 12 dad at 17.
I've been winging it for the past 40 years.
It's nice to have someone like yourself available via RUclips to receive words of wisdom.
My mother was so wise- when I was having considerable trouble navigating life, she told me similar pieces of wisdom. 1. FOCUS 2. Mind my own business 3. Shrug it off (and I later added) 4. Smile. This has gotten me through many a hard time.
Later in life when my to do list was getting too long ( or so I perceived) she said to me very directly: " All you have to do to get things done is just DO THEM!" How true, as it can be too easy to be distracted and overwhelmed.
My fathers' gift to me was the love of learning a skill, perseverence, and resourcefulness. How I miss them both💕💕
So sweet
Im winging it too.
I am so glad I have discovered the gold in your eyes, the love in your heart, the wisdom in your words and the greatness of your work. Thank you David.
Wow Wayne. Are you a writer? So beautifully said. I would like to have been the one to say that to someone else and may someday take your words and use them. Thank you so much.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
“Do you have anything better to do” is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard. Thanks for this video and all the others.
I can honestly say that at 71, I've finally reached a point in life where I no longer feel the need to follow the rules set for me by society. I keep my own counsel, sleep when I want to, do what feels good at the time and enjoy what little time I may still have on this earth. That said, I lived my life by following my bliss (Joseph Campbell) which helped soften the sad and disappointing times that inevitably arose from time to time. Like you, I enjoy being alone for longer periods of time nowadays and make the most of every moment still available to me. I appreciate your videos very much. Thank you. 💖
Outstanding advice from an old sage! I say that with the utmost respect. I’m 56 years old, my life changed about six years ago, due to injury and numerous back surgeries. Early “retirement” I wasn’t ready for, especially with chronic pain, it’s taken a long time to get grounded again and try to start a new chapter in my life, never did I imagine how difficult change could be! Thank you for these simple yet very helpful suggestions, I will use them!
Great tips! I use some of them, but will definitely employ the others. It is a wonderful thing when you sit with a pen and paper, you're right, things come out of your mind that you never knew was there! When i write, the words are pouring out of my head faster than my pen can write. Like a fountain.
Since starting my vintage Barbie store on eBay, I work so many hours, but I don't realize it because I'm having fun. I enjoy working. My advice to my children was to choose a career they enjoyed, as I did nursing. I encouraged them to express themselves with music, poetry, literature, anything that brought out creativity. They do the same for theirs.
Thank you, Mr Hoffman, God bless you.
Thank you for sharing such wise words. I especially like the question posed, "Do you have anything better to do?"
I'm so glad I discovered you!
I can’t get enough of your videos and your years of work, just amazing, thank you David Hoffman !!
You are very welcome
I was raised to believe work was toil, I spent most my young adolescence trying to avoid it. After realizing it's our contribution to the world and future generations (and realizing I was going to work till I die), I started to find the pleasure in the mundane menial tasks of life
Thank you for this David. You remind me growing up in the 1960s my next door neighbor was James A. Westerfield was an American character actor of stage, film, and television.
If James wasn't on the set he was often painting in his garage, I would chat with him for a few minute son my way home from school. My classmate at Bassett Street Elementary School in Van Nuys was Eve Plumb from The Brady Bunch haha!
Thank you. I admire your work very much. I'm a venezuelan currently getting my Master's degree and struggling to pay the bills in a foreign country. Last friday I had a nervous breakdown and I've been trying to overcome this personal crisis so I can finnish my dissertation before july 22nd. Your life advice has great timing in my life. Thank you again
Take care of yourself. Praying for you.
@@dianemartinez3959 Thank you very much!
wow! Thank you David! You’re so humble, boyish, and kind. Gonna get that pen and get to it.
The schedule is THAT one thing that may save me and get me out of the poor me’s.
I can not thank you enough for what you are sharing. It's astounding and beautiful.
I hope you continue to make videos for a long time. You make me laugh and listen. You are like a wise grandfather giving advice right to me.
"Hell is other people" - I work with & deal with lots of people in my job - glad I'm not the only one who feels like this. More great advice.
divergence films i have had so many jobs because i don’t get along with people. sad
Thank you, I have gone all or nothing for a creative career, failed and now find myself back in a stressful 8-5. But this makes it feel more manageable and I really like the reminder that everything can be a mix of work and play, including relationships. And thanks for being so honest about still needing feedback, breaks and still feeling nervous!
David, this was a really powerful session. One of the best talks on productivity I've ever heard. Do more of these, please.
Thank you Faith. You will notice that when I do these kinds of videos, they don't get very many views. So I kind of stopped. But I'm glad that this one was provocative (I mean provoked good things) for you.
David Hoffman - filmmaker
"Keep on going. It's going to be okay."
These are powerful words that spoke to me - thank you. I look forward to more of your wonderful work in the future . :)
As an honorary WORLD CHAMPION, what this man says carries weight and we should all listen to him. Respect-
1.) Eat right
2.) Exercise
3.) Engage in a variety of mental activities/exercise
4.) Have positive social relationships
5.) Don't do hard drugs
Those are at least what help me. David here is actually talking a lot about the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy, something that I think should be taught in highschool! Overall, good advice! There is no cure-all for this type of stuff, but still good advice.
Thank you sir.I am in a crisis and just left myself to the flow, I couldn't concentrate,I deviate from working on tasks that should have been completed long ago leaving it to tomorrow and frankly was thinking about doing something drastic when people ask me the results.I always prepare a schedule but never follow it, procrastinating stuff and i made it habit, yes found your channel doing it.I hope to find the timelessness you talk about.
Mr. Hoffman, Thank you. I’m having creative ideas constantly and currently remodeling my bathroom and already have been through 6 sets of plans. I make a list constantly & daily, which help me achieve my tasks for my day and night. Thank you again.
Thank you for this! I just started a new job at a supermarket until I go to university in September. Just like you, I like to do things on my own, except when it is physically impossible to do so.
I'm very methodical and like to do things in an orderly manner - working at a supermarket goes completely against that work philosophy. You're working on something, then comes someone who completely sidetracks you, then along the way you find something else to do and you never really finish what you started.
I'm not used to deal with this many people every day either, and not everyone is nice and understanding. Having 1 week of experience doesn't help me be at ease and confident, as I don't know the answer for a lot of things and people usually get mad at me.
It's stressful, both physically and mentally. It's been tough waking up in the morning to go somewhere I don't really belong. But I'm focused on my end-goal which is to go to university, get my degree and hopefully get the career I desire. The financial freedom is nice, too.
Keep up the great work! Cheers.
Hah! I think with a pen too. I feel exactly the way you do about it. Sometimes what comes out feels inspired by the Divine. Perhaps the pen is mightier than the sword in more than one way. All of it is great advice, David. Thank you once again. 💜 this channel.
Thank you so much Jane
David Hoffman - filmmaker
Great advice as usual from Mr Hoffman. Simple elocution but effective. Not to date Mt Hoffman, but I always find that older than myself folks are a wealth of information. Thank you.
My goodness what a wealth of information. You had me full of hope & in tears by the end. Thank you so very much. I’m going to try to find my spot.
God Bless
I usually hate self help type advice. But I like you so I like this.
MariaMaria “self help” means you are helping whoever you’re listening to spread their ideas. Usually it’s the masochistic cult leader type that pushes self help advice. This isn’t self help advice in my opinion, this is just good, honest wisdom from a kind man. I think that’s why you like this, you see that it’s authentic! You have to pick who you listen to very carefully, especially yourself, because you are the easiest person to fool!
@@croutonboo2566 did you mean religion? That sounds a lot like religion, self-help to me is teaching someone a strategy for dealing with a problem they have that you've overcame.
elfoxy teaching someone a strategy for dealing with a problem they’ve overcome *is* , in some sorts religion. You should look up “John frum tanna”, and read about cargo cults to get a quick understanding for how religions tend to form as part of a human societal structure. Those self help gurus throwing seminars and creating a cult of personality are of the same type of character as religious figures/cult leaders etc. they all have similar bases in human psychology
its 30th Jan here in England, freezing cold north wind, grey overcast, cant work , cameras lying idle, but just had a warming thought ?? WISHED I LIVED NEXT DOOR TO DAVID HOFFMAN..
Thank you for being understanding about John Ward using your interview with Steve Allen. My parents are from the Great Depression. Seeing Steve Allen is like looking at my father who died in October of 1969. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
“Do I have anything better to do?” Now that question really puts things into perspective. Wish I’d been aware of it 25 years ago!
Yes! Living our Passion is not knowing the difference between work and play. It is one and the same. I see that in my dad. At 83 he’s fit as a fiddle and very happy. He’s a retired conductor(maestro), composer, professor, classical/jazz musician, lutier, etc, etc. Successful but he hasn’t worked a day in his life. Now He rehairs bows for violins, the whole string family. I really appreciate this advice..thank you for being a wonderful and gracious guide for all of us..you are one of a kind, David Hoffman.
Gaby: They say that conductors live a long time because of the way they move their hands and arms. Very healthy. I was an oboe player when I started working but decided that symphonic music was not for me. That's a wonderful story I need to tell you sometime during a livestream.
David Hoffman
Didn't expect to randomly stumble upon so much wisdom
This video was uploaded at the perfect time for me. Thanks for your work.
Thank YOU, David Hoffman, for such brilliant advice and especially for your tone and approach. We are all learners in life, just at different levels. Lots of love to you Sir.
Great video. Very helpful, especially to those of us who are working individually without an agenda and time schedule set by others. Number one on your list - do one thing at a time- reminds me of the advise given to people who are dealing with ADHD- “ chose one and get it done.” It’s not about staying in one place for the duration, but about not starting two or three more projects in the middle of the first, about just keeping notes in new ideas and not abandoning the first project as soon as the newness wears off.
Again, thanks!
Don't stop what you are doing, Mr. Hoffmann. I love hearing what you have to say. I am a extroverted introverts. God inspires your work. I sit with a notepad too. I rarely change my scripts for my videos. They seem simple and plain, but I know that when I add the music and video, magic will happen. I am always amazed at the end result. I do get a bit nervous, but I push through. I forget to eat too!!!! I love being creative!!! God, the creator, understands us artists and the creative process. I make my videos in my spare time. I have made over 80 videos!! I am self taught and want to grow and learn. God bless you.
Thanks so much for the pep talk. It's harder to start new things as we get older. Doubts from past creep in. Old comments from people either relevant or irrelevant in your life. It's nice when we can share confidence with others. Keep going.
Statia Manger so true. I struggle with this too.
Juju T hugs!
I'm so glad I found your channel! Documentary film work is not easy, but you make me feel like I can get through it. The world just got a little less lonely for me, thanks! Keep posting and safe travels!
You sir are a national treasure thank you for existing amen
So inspirational. What great advice and thoughts. I can't thank you enough. Your channel is a goldmine!
Trully you are a world champion too ! Thanks for you're advice and wisdow
I've watched WAY TOO MANY "How To Live" videos on this 21st century boob-tube. This one stands apart.
It pierces through. It makes an impression. It leaves me feeling *better*.
It contains more or less than same information as many of the others, but it's the delivery, the historical context, knowing how much you've done with your life, that makes all the difference, I guess. Who really knows?
In any case, thank you again, David, for getting through to me and, glancing at the comment section, many others. You're a great role model and I appreciate all that you do.
thank you for sharing that, Michael. I know what you are talking about and my way of explaining it to myself is in terms of being open to serendipity. If I'm opened possibilities, all of a sudden, almost as though the universe intended it, information, people, opportunities, come my way. Maybe that happened to you watching me. In any case, I'm glad it has benefit for you.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
Hey David thank you for the advice, gratefully received, I enjoy your videos tremendously.
When you are working away in the editing room engrossed in your work I think you have entered into a state known as “Flow” for a creative person that is the most beautiful and productive state to be in.
Yes. Flow. It is just a wonderful thing to feel and hopefully, to be conscious of during it rather than just after it.
David Hoffman filmmaker
The feeling that you describe in the last segment of the video David, where one is so focused, enjoying the task he is doing that he loses all sense of time , I have experienced. I believe, from your description that one gets to this place through the creative process. Great stuff. Enjoy your videos.
Thank you Pat.
I was raised by parents your age. I’m now 46 & listening to your acknowledgement was so refreshing! Newbie here & Im a ball of nerves most of the time.
1
(if writing)
Make the pen a kite
Make your thoughts the wind
Your hand will become a lightsome child chasing a kite in an April field
The paths that are left behind in ink will be joyous.
2.
Write always with a side purpose of inspiring others to outdo you.
(if you write naturally enough, readers will say to themselves "that seems fun! I can do that!" )
-see O. Henry.
-Don Marquis
-Bill Nye
(from Maine)
( *not* "the science guy" )
Thank you for the great advice. It's so critical that we give ourselves permission to not get boxed in and to work with the creative process (whatever that might be for each individual), rather than against it. Balance between idea (the thought) and discipline (the action) is important in order to make it happen. Love your comments about a sense of timelessness when you are working.
Down-to-earth. True-to-fact. Wise. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences. I’ve found the best way forward is follow others who’ve shown a feasible, flexible route, so this is very appreciated.
Thank you Mr. Hoffman. You're an inspiration to me. I love the videos.
This is wonderful advice. Honestly, I've heard it before but it's always nice to hear again and there are those that still need to hear it. Especially in such a uncondescending way. 👍
thank you dad
You're wise and doing it right! Thanks so much for making time to pass on your good advice.
Your videos serve as some great insight for a young guy like me. Hearing from perspectives that I otherwise wouldn’t come across is what makes your channel so special to me.
Thanks Mr. Hoffman. Good advice for me! I often tend to distract myself, meander, and go off tangentially when writing music/songs. Extra points for using the word “verve”! I know that space you talked about in between work and play and I also know that solitary, aloneness that I both love and resent depending on how my creating is going. Thanks for giving me hope and optimism that it’s ok to feel these polarities . Great video! I’m subscribing to your channel...now!
Thank you for this -
your words are both encouraging and inspiring. I specifically appreciate the advice on dealing with anxiety. I’d also like to thank you for being kind to John Ward - another world champion who I follow.
Thank you so much Mr. Hoffman.. Wonderful words!
World Champion John Ward, (World Champion) sent me. You’ve got a great channel and a new sub, World Champion David Hoffman, (World Champion) ❤️
I'm 21 and I can be such a procrastinator. I wanna be a writer and the only way to get there is by reading and writing more. Those are two things I love in life and it can be easy to do them most of the time. But I find it difficult to just do it sometimes. This was helpful, thank you.
Thank you for these wonderful and informative videos, David. I enjoy watching these and hearing your experiences and advice.
I do the daily schedule. It does help! Some days better than others but very useful. Be blessed today, David!
thank you for the great advice in this video and for all the other fantastic videos (especially BB King at sing sing and Spike the horseman) on your channel. it’s like looking at powerful nuggets of life which really show viewers the beauty of being alive. have a beautiful day :)
Hi Mr. David, I saw this video two years ago and I always come back to it. I made a list on my phone now called "got anything better to do?" So now I have lots to do when I read it :) You're such an amazing person you remind me of my grandpap he passed when I was really young
I would love to see a JPEG photograph of you with the list on your phone. Thank you for commenting.
David Hoffman filmmaker
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker Hi Mr. Dave sorry I've been busy the past few days with my homework. Where can I send you a picture? Also thank you again for uploading all of your videos I like to watch them when I'm feeling down I wish I had a time machine!
Thank you Mr. Hoffman for the advice and introspection.
David, incredible video and I agree with these tips! Your wisdom is extremely appreciated.
Best,
Roman Blevins
The thing I love most about the video is it's childlike innocence. Watching RUclips for so long, I feel like there's a certain way these videos are made. This video just didn't care about those norms. In some way, it made it feel so much more genuine and I have no doubt that it is. It seems that in order to explain to myself why I loved this video so much, I have gone off on a tangent. In any case, all I wanted to say is that I loved the video. Please do make more like these.
that is my goal and my mission. Thank you.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
Oh my goodness where have you been the past 4yrs I’ve been in therapy? Non judgmental! Basic steps Thank You
Thank you! You are very inspirational to many people. I wish more people (including myself) had such a positive attitude, work ethic and just be a good person like you. You made some very good points, I agree with all of them and this just gave me an additional incentive to implement them and to be more productive.
Terrific advice, really what I needed to hear! I strive to reach your levels of wholesomeness and wisdom 😀
I just started studying screenwriting and I'm six months in. I think a lot about my process, my voice and what works for me. This was refreshing and helpful to listen to. I love your videos David, keep up the great work.
I will Hannes. Thank you.
David Hoffman filmmaker
you are a wise man. plz never stop your videos.
The best part of your work is your face. i just love that, especially when you raise yoir eye brows
I am smiling Marcus and raising my brows as well.
David Hoffman - filmmaker
I love this, and it's just what I needed to hear this morning.
Without the discipline of sticking to my schedule every day, I would definitely sink into a funk. I might work from home, but I make sure I shower and put on presentable clothes each day. Key to getting isht done.
John Ward introduced me to your channel some weeks ago. I feel like he gave me a gold mine. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us here.
I'm gonna have trouble washing that James Mitchner quote outta my hair 😉 Thanks for sharing it!
HA! I see what you did there
Thanks for this video, I’ve always wanted to be an amateur movie maker but I’ve never had the courage to make anything worthwhile. I have about 3 months off of collage and a very decent camera so this has gave me some inspiration to create something good
Thank you so much Mr.Hoffman, I’ve been watching your videos for a long time but @ 23 , I think I really need to watch this, thank you for your words!
Thank you for your comment Andy.
David Hoffman filmmaker
free flow writing just feels sooooo good! An that' where the magic happens becaue I get out of my own way. Although I have fountain pens, I need & love a pencil - the smell, the ease, sharpening it. I hear my grandfather in my head 'Sharp pencil, sharp mind.'
Mister Hoffman thank you! I think I'm going to make a little movie, I have nothing better to do!
please do. I look forward to seeing it.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
Here because of John Ward, looking forward to working my way through your videos David, i say David, i really mean World Champion :)
You nailed it! So many people work too hard in their head, this is great for taking a step back and putting their head at ease.
Love you Hoff . Thank you so much for your videos . I have lived them all . Keep going xxxxxxx
I came originally for the video about buying a computer in the early 90's and I stayed for the sage advice! Subscribing and then going to go through your videos, there seems to be a lot of good content here! Thanks, David!
Thank you Michael.
David Hoffman
This is great stuff. David, I so appreciate listening to you and people like you. You’re a kind person with a heart for continually creating and exploring. If every person would strive for those kinds of things we’d see a much better world.
In a couple short years I’ll be starting my journey through my 50s. I love my life. And wonderful people like yourself are adding inspiration and validation to my belief that each day our lives are getting more significant, more joyful, more creative and more satisfying.
Thanks for simply being you and sharing your heart. You’re making a difference in my life and it’s obvious I’m not the only one.
Thank you.
David Hoffman filmmaker
You are putting so much wisdom into the world. The James Michener quote put into words something I've strived for my whole life. Thank you sir.
Thanks for taking the time to share this. It’s important, especially for those gathering the courage to pursue a life of creativity. If you didn’t see the 60 Minutes piece on Rick Rubin on 5/28, you should. It’s about stripping away to what is essential.
Thank you Mr Hoffman. I'll go back to using a schedule.
Literally. Our minds are smacking each other right now at the end. I wrote that whole quote down because I didn’t know that’s what I was living by but I see people looking at me like they’re wondering if I’m paying attention or in my own mind.
Really it’s both.. jus having fun
Thank you. I was stuck for a few days in some situations and was feeling like where to go . This morning i got to know about your channel accidentally and I am so relaxed. My mind has started running normal. I really know the worth of your words . Thanks
P.S : I really liked the advice to be human.
Thank you for reminding me of making a To Do list. My late husband gave me yellow legal notepads and told me to write down the ten most important things I needed to do the next day. He also said that I probably wouldn't be able to do all ten, but whatever was still not done was either not necessary or it needs to go on to the next day's list.
Writing the list helped me stay focused and still let me do creative things with my children apart from housework.
Thanks for reminding us to smile. My best friend in high school used to tell me to smile because it makes the enemy angry. What enemy? In school there are always "mean" girls who like to see others be miserable. Since then I have found we can be our own worst enemy, so smile even if you don't feel like it. Smiling tricks the brain into thinking positive of things and positive solutions. If nothing else it annoys the devil! 😁
Thank you very much sir. I'm 17 years old and i appreciate your help!
John Ward sent me. Respect to David Hoffman.
The best book I have ever read is the Four agreements, By Don Miguel Ruiz, it's a powerful book and helped me greatly. Please give it a read it may help with a lot of things people tend to struggle with and don't know why. But it's one thing to read something and another thing to try and implement it into your life.
That final point from Mitchener David is something that we all experience but do not realise. I have taken two cruises, both with a country music theme. The one overall feeling I have had when I reflect on these two trips, is the absence of time. I have realised that for the time I was awake and it was usually from 11am to 3am everyday, I was occupied. I was always watching some performance, or in a songwriting class, or taking one of the dace classes or doing my daily singing (I can not go a day without singing at least an hour). I was not occupied with what time it was and in fact the rest of the world did not exist. The only world for the time we were at sea was that vessel. It was made so clear on my first cruise, when I was catching a train from Sydney to my home town of Goulburn, and we asked the person selling our ticket when the next train was and he said I will just see if the track is clear, and me and my uncle looked at each other and asked him what he meant. Unbeknownst to us the rail line had been cut off during that week by bushfires and the line had been damaged, we had not known anything about the bushfires. But we all go through this. When you go to a cinema to watch a film you go to watch the film but you are also there to forget your life's problems, paying the bills, any problems at work or with family. This sense of release, the sense of no responsibility or not having to do anything while you concentrate on the film is what you need to feel when you are concentrating on doing one thing. I know when I write my stories when I get into a particularly interesting and engaging section of the story, I lose all concept of time. It is a very satisfying feeling.
Beautifully said. Thank you so much. When I am doing my RUclips work each day, the hours go by and I don't really notice. I'm focused.
David Hoffman filmmaker
Thank you for your wise advice David Hoffman
As a Boomer born 1952 I was born privileged: healthy, family, food, and shelter. Everything else was a plus. No money but I was rich. When I was 19 the end of the rainbow was far away at the end. It seemed life was forever. Not so. Along the way I did too much for too many for too long for too little but it all worked out. The purpose in life is to lead a purposeful life. Still rich after all these years. Don’t sweat the small stuff because it’s all small stuff.
Thank you for this inspirational video Mr. David Hoffman. - Justice Constantine
Interesting, thanks 👍